Elementary/Collaborative Education K-6

(Bachelor of Science)

All elementary education majors at Birmingham-Southern College are prepared to teach in any academic setting for kindergarten through 6th grades. The graduates will be recommended for Class B certification in both Elementary Education and Collaborative Teacher K-6 (special education) from the Alabama State Department of Education. This dual certification allows students to make their choice of school settings ranging from regular classrooms to special education facilities. At Birmingham-Southern College you will be learning in small classes, be in a variety of school settings, and have close contact with your professors. During your clinical practice internship you will have the opportunity to do student teaching in two grade levels and in a special education resource room. Please contact Dr. Eileen Moore, Collaborative Coordinator, (205) 226-4808, emoore@bsc.edu for more information.

Why do you need dual certification? Federal law supports the inclusion movement. Inclusion describes a regular classroom that includes children with special needs. Consequently, all teachers will encounter children with special needs in their classrooms and should be equipped with skills that are necessary to teach these children.

How will this benefit you? BSC’s program will give you a leading edge in employment over those individuals with certification only in elementary education. You will have the option of choosing to teach in any type of classroom setting, a special education resource room, or an alternative school. You will also be prepared to work with all the children placed in your regular classroom.

Required Courses

I. General Studies

Students must complete the Foundations Curriculum Requirements of the College. Additional courses in mathematics, English language arts, social science, and science are also required to meet state certification requirements.

II. Professional Studies (8 units)

ED 199 or 299 Exploring Teaching
ED 201 Introduction to Education
ED 210 Curriculum Design
EPy 223 Human Growth and Development
EPy 260 Survey of Exceptional Children
EPy 320 Educational Psychology
ED 470 Seminar in Teaching Technology
ED 471 Education Seminar
III. Major Studies (13 units)
ED 219 Creative Arts in Teaching
ED 315 Reading I: Developmental Reading
ED 316 Reading II: Reading Practicum
ED 317 Teaching Social Studies
ED 318 Children’s Literature
ED 320 Teaching Mathematics
ED 324 Teaching Science and Health
ED 360 Methods and Materials for Teaching Students with Special Needs
ED 410 Internship II
ED 411 Internship III
ED 472 Research in Education
ED 499 Internship I